Automation Engineer at FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation

FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc. (FCDI), located in Madison, WI, is recruiting for an Automation Engineer to lead and/or support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of assay automation platforms to increase efficiency, quality, and standardization of analytical testing conducted routinely to develop and release iCell® products. This is a new position within the Engineering Technology team, a team of engineers responsible for identifying and testing new analytical and process technology platforms required to meet business needs with regards to cell manufacturing scale, cell characterization, and automation. The Automation Engineer will collaborate closely with subject matter experts from several other FCDI teams, including Analytical Development, Research and Development, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and Tech Services, as well as with vendors. 

We are looking for a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with a knack for creative problem solving and a passion for driving innovation through data-driven decision making. In this primarily hands-on laboratory role, you will design and execute experiments involving automated liquid handlers, cell culture equipment, and analytical platforms, such as flow cytometers, cell counters, and PCR machines, and write protocols, development reports, and training documents that contribute to broader automation understanding and knowledge dissemination.   

FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc. (FCDI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of human cells used in drug discovery, toxicity testing, stem cell banking, and cell therapy development. We partner with innovators from around the world to combine biologically relevant human cells with the newest technologies to drive advancements in medicine and healthier living. Our core technology offers the potential to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from anyone as well as the ability to differentiate these cells into virtually any cell type in the human body. Our proprietary manufacturing platforms are capable of producing billions of differentiated cells daily, resulting in inventoried and donor-specific iCell® products in the quantity, quality, purity, and reproducibility required for drug and cell therapy development. 

External US

Primary Responsibilities  

• Understand FCDI analytical processes sufficiently to assist in the final design of an integrated assay automation platform
• Perform laboratory experiments to understand similarities and differences between manual and automated assays and use this knowledge to develop and optimize assays on the automation platform 
• Become a subject matter expert on the assay automation platform, including the liquid handler and accessory equipment, and serve as a resource for teams developing and executing automated assays
• Continually identify technical challenges and opportunities for improvement and seek creative solutions by drawing on available resources, including cross functionally 
• Work closely with other teams to understand their current assay execution bottlenecks to design future automated workflows that address these challenges
• Develop operation manuals and procedures for automation systems
• Develop training materials and programs for support staff for automation that has been implemented 

Qualifications  

• Engineering degree from an ABET accredited institution
• Minimum of five (5) years experience as an industrial control systems/automation engineer
• Experience in one or more of the following industries: pharmaceuticals, biotech, life sciences, food and beverage
• Strong experience programming, executing, and troubleshooting workflows using Tecan Fluent or similar liquid handling platforms; knowledge of FluentControl software is a plus
• Functional knowledge of at least one high level programming language (e.g., Python)
• Experience performing analytical test methods or working closely with an analytical development or quality control group 
• Demonstrated experience working with R&D teams to deliver automation projects; experience planning and leading small teams towards project execution is a plus
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
• Ability to be flexible/adaptable in a dynamic working environment

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